Silenced Voices: Reclaiming Memories from the Guatemalan GenocidePablo Leon, illustrated by Pablo LeonIn this moving intergenerational graphic novel, Pablo Leon combines historical research of the Guatemalan Civil War with his own experiences as a Guatemalan immigrant to depict a powerful story of family, sacrifice, survival, and hope. (Sibert Honor Book)OLDERATOS 3.9AR interest Upper Grades (UG 9-12)View book detailsALSC Notable Children's Books 2026
Books selected by ALSC for children from birth through age 14.
2026 Notable Children's BooksSee the original list
Selections225
Published byAssociation for Library Service to Children (ALA)
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OLDER
11 of 32 selections on this pageContinued from page 3
Silenced Voices: Reclaiming Memories from the Guatemalan GenocidePablo Leon, illustrated by Pablo LeonIn this moving intergenerational graphic novel, Pablo Leon combines historical research of the Guatemalan Civil War with his own experiences as a Guatemalan immigrant to depict a powerful story of family, sacrifice, survival, and hope. (Sibert Honor Book)OLDERATOS 3.9AR interest Upper Grades (UG 9-12)View book details
A Song for You and IK. O'Neill, illustrated by K. O'NeillYoung ranger Rowan contemplates their gender identity as they accompany shy sheep herder Leone on treks across the land with a winged horse in tow and prepare for the upcoming Name Carving ceremony.OLDERLexile 890LView book details
Song of a BlackbirdMaria van Lieshout, illustrated by Maria van LieshoutSet in Amsterdam in both 1943 and 2011, this deeply personal and poetic graphic novel illustrates the heroic actions of everyday Dutch people as they resisted the Nazi regime, and the lingering trauma inherited by subsequent generations.OLDERATOS 3.6AR interest Upper Grades (UG 9-12)View book details
The Teacher of Nomad Land: A World War II StoryDaniel NayeriSet in 1941 Iran, siblings Babak and Sana become orphans and embark on a journey to teach nomads as a means of protection. Along the way they meet a Jewish boy and find themselves in a harrowing survival escapade through mountainous territory. (Newbery Honor Book)OLDERATOS 4.3AR interest MG 4–8View book details
The Trouble with HeroesKate MessnerAs reparation after damaging a tombstone, Finn must hike the 46 Adirondack peaks where he learns about himself and deals with the trauma of his father's death.OLDERATOS 5.1AR interest MG 4–8View book details
TygerS.F. Said, illustrated by Dave McKeanDiscrimination runs rampant in other-worldly London, where slavery was never outlawed. When Adam slips through a gate, he encounters a wounded magical creature that must be protected from a maniacal menagerie keeper.OLDERView book details
The Vanishing of Lake Peigneur: A Graphic Novel Based on a True StoryAllan Wolf, illustrated by Jose PimientaBased on an amazing true story, this meticulously researched graphic novel details how a massive sinkhole swallowed an entire Louisiana lake.OLDERATOS 5.1AR interest MG+ 6 and upView book details
Very Bad at MathHope Larson, illustrated by Hope LarsonEighth grader Verity “Very” Nelson, who is very good at everything (except math), is diagnosed with dyscalculia as she works to improve her math grade, remain class president, and maintain friendships in this graphic novel.OLDERView book details
Whale Eyes: A Memoir About Seeing and Being SeenJames Robinson, illustrated by Brian ReaThis uniquely interactive memoir details the author’s life with strabismus, a misalignment of the eyes. Informed by how others see him and how he sees the world, Robinson explores the creative process and disability advocacy.OLDERLexile 880LFountas & Pinnell YView book details
A World Without Summer: A Volcano Erupts, A Creature Awakens, and the Sun Goes OutNicholas Day, illustrated by Yas ImamuraThorough research and compelling writing merge in this work of narrative nonfiction to build context and connections between the 1815 eruption of Mount Tambora, the creation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, and other cultural and scientific events of the time. (Sibert Honor Book)OLDERLexile 780LATOS 6.3View book details
A World Worth SavingKyle LukoffTrans kid ‘A’ tries to make sense of a world where his parents insist he attend meetings to stifle his true self and other trans friends go missing. He discovers demons filling the world with hatred and vows to fight.OLDERLexile 840LATOS 5.9View book detailsALL AGES
34 selections
The 13th Day of ChristmasAdam Rex, illustrated by Adam RexThis madcap reimagining of The 12 Days of Christmas depicts the unintended consequences and chaos of taking the song lyrics literally after receiving gifts from his true love. Visually complex and humorous illustrations contribute additional layers to the storytelling.ALL AGESATOS 3.1AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
The Black Mambas: The World's First All-Woman Anti-Poaching UnitKelly CrullDocumented through photographs and interactive features, see the day-to-day work lives of the women who make up the first all-female anti-poaching unit at the Balule Nature Reserve in South Africa.ALL AGESLexile 720LATOS 4.6View book details
Buzz! Boom! Bang!: The Book of SoundsBenjamin Gottwald, illustrated by Benjamin GottwaldThis wordless picture book invites the reader to create a multitude of sound effects prompted by colorful, exuberant, cartoony artwork.ALL AGESView book details
Cabin Head and Tree HeadScott Campbell, illustrated by Scott CampbellIn this hilarious and absurd graphic novel, best buddies Cabin Head and Tree Head go on a series of short adventures involving hellos, portraits, holes, and hiding spots.ALL AGESView book details
Cat NapBrian Lies, illustrated by Brian LiesThe chase is on when a napping cat spots a mouse jumping into a poster from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Cat, mouse, and reader explore works from various time periods in this extraordinary picture book romp through art and history.ALL AGESView book details
Dear Acorn (Love, Oak): Letter Poems to FriendsJoyce Sidman, illustrated by Melissa SweetReciprocal poems between pairs in nature share the perspectives of being big and little. Their connections will inspire readers to write their own letter poems.ALL AGESATOS 3.8AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
From Memen to MoriShinsuke Yoshitake, illustrated by Shinsuke Yoshitake, Ajani OloyeThis philosophical book follows two Japanese children discussing life, death, and existence throughout regular routines and everyday vignettes. Minimal illustrations showcase Whimsical humor and child-like innocence. (Batchelder Honor Book)ALL AGESView book details
Here Is a BookElisha Cooper, illustrated by Elisha CooperSoft watercolor full page spreads and detailed vignettes provide a glimpse into the creative process of making a book, from an illustrator’s initial idea, to warehouse printing, and finally a child’s joyful discovery of the published book on a shelf.ALL AGESView book details
The History of WeNikkolas Smith, illustrated by Nikkolas SmithIn this lushly illustrated picture book, the African origins of humanity are celebrated through shared language, art, music, creativity, curiosity, and exploration. (Sibert Honor Book)ALL AGESLexile 680LFountas & Pinnell RView book details
HomeMatt de la Peña, illustrated by Loren LongLyrical text and warm illustrations celebrate home as both a place and the people who make us feel we belong. This book honors the many forms families and homes can take.ALL AGESLexile AD910LFountas & Pinnell OView book details
The House That FloatedGuojing, illustrated by GuojingIn this wordless picture book, a seaside family watches rising waters threaten their cliff-top home. Relying on ingenuity and love, they float their house to safety, moving through dreamy ocean scenes in a hopeful tale of resilience and belonging.ALL AGESView book details
If We Were DogsSophie Blackall, illustrated by Sophie BlackallWhile one child enthusiastically imagines being a dog, another wishes for a different adventure. Playful illustrations portray a rousing adventure with a humorous twist and a lesson in imagination, standing up for yourself, and learning to play together.ALL AGESATOS 1.6AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
Jim! Six True Stories About One Great Artist: James MarshallJerrold Connors, illustrated by Jerrold ConnorsLovingly told in the style of James Marshall’s stories, this offbeat picture book biography celebrates its subject with witty humor and charming illustrations.ALL AGESView book details
The Keeper of StoriesCaroline Kusin Pritchard, illustrated by Selina AlkoA community bands together to save books after a fire at the Jewish Theological Seminary in NYC in 1966. Poignant illustrations and poetic text celebrate and document this historic preservation effort.ALL AGESATOS 4.0AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
Little RebelsYuyi Morales, illustrated by Yuyi MoralesThis picture book folktale begs readers to stand up, stand out, and take care of our world and each other. Caricature-like illustrated bodies bounce, dance, and march through each page expressing their joy and determination to make a difference.ALL AGESATOS 2.5AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
Meet the Mini-Mammals: A Night at the Natural History MuseumMelissa Stewart, illustrated by Brian LiesPresented by a cheery ferret showman who introduces the mini-mammals, readers meet increasingly smaller creatures. Naturalistic illustrations show animals’ actual size and contextualize them with everyday objects.ALL AGESView book details
Mistaco: A Tale of Tragedy Y TortillasEliza Kinkz, illustrated by Eliza KinkzA vibrant, humorous picture book celebration of failure, family, and food. Kinetic, jam-packed illustrations depict how a young girl named Izzy turns her day full of mistakes into tasty “mistacos” to be shared with loved ones.ALL AGESATOS 2.4AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
Of the Sun: A Poem for the Land’s First PeoplesXelena González, illustrated by Emily KewageshigThis lyrical poem celebrates the strength and resilience of the First Peoples of the Americas. Vibrant illustrations honor Indigenous children and communities while affirming identity, heritage, and belonging.ALL AGESView book details
Our LakeAngie Kang, illustrated by Angie KangA boy and his older brother contemplate the loss of their father as they prepare to jump in the lake for the first time without him. Everyday family traditions, grief, and memory are honored with dreamy artwork in blues, greens, and yellows. (Caldecott Honor Book)ALL AGESATOS 2.3AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
A Place for UsJames E. Ransome, illustrated by James E. RansomeA caring mother and son navigate a typical day in a big city—school pick up, dinner, a library visit, finding a safe place to sleep—in a wordless picture book empathetically portraying the experiences of unhoused people.ALL AGESView book details
Pop! Goes the Nursery RhymeBetsy Bird, illustrated by Andrea TsurumiA no-nonsense secretary bird sets out to read a classic nursery rhyme book but can’t get through any of them without a feisty weasel loudly interrupting the tales. Packed with skillful cartooning, dramatic page turns, and laugh-out-loud silliness.ALL AGESView book details
Stalactite & Stalagmite: A Big Tale from a Little CaveDrew Beckmeyer, illustrated by Drew BeckmeyerTwo cave formations humorously narrate their centuries-long journey, blending science and storytelling in a clever, visually dynamic picture book. (Caldecott Honor Book)ALL AGESATOS 3.0AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
SundustZeke Peña, illustrated by Zeke PeñaPoetic text speaks to the vastness of the desert landscape as siblings follow a shimmering trail of sundust into a boundless desert, where they explore luminous landscapes and experience wonder, imagination, and connection with descendents. (Caldecott Honor Book)ALL AGESATOS 2.9AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
This Is Orange: A Field Trip Through ColorRachel Poliquin, illustrated by Julie MorstadA sophisticated informational picture book that details the color orange, its rich history, and its vast presence in our world with a conversational tone that encourages curiosity and wonder.ALL AGESATOS 4.7AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
To See an OwlMatthew Cordell, illustrated by Matthew CordellEncouraged by her teacher, a determined young birder sets out in hopes of spotting an owl. Gentle text and expressive illustrations capture the patience and wonder of observing the natural world.ALL AGESLexile 510LATOS 2.6View book details
Troubling Tonsils!Aaron Reynolds, illustrated by Peter BrownJasper the Rabbit is back to share a creepy, cautionary tale about disembodied tonsils — Twilight Zone-style!ALL AGESATOS 4.6AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
Tuck Me In!Nathan W. Pyle, illustrated by Nathan W. PyleTwo bossy beaches on opposite sides of the ocean argue in this funny picture book that playfully explains the moon’s gravity, ocean tides, and the origins of sand castles.ALL AGESView book details
Vida: The Mice, the Cat, and the AlebrijeDuncan Tonatiuh, illustrated by Duncan TonatiuhIn the city of Mousetepec, brave mouse siblings Vida and Maximo face a dangerous cat with help from colorful alebrijes. Bold artwork and clear storytelling bring this original fable inspired by contemporary Mexican culture to life.ALL AGESATOS 3.3AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
When I Hear SpiritualsCheryl Willis Hudson, illustrated by London LaddThis picture book celebrates the history and power of African American spirituals, pairing lyrical text with stirring song excerpts. Rich illustrations and extensive back matter invite readers to explore the music’s enduring legacy.ALL AGESView book details
Where Are You, Brontë?Tomie dePaola, illustrated by Barbara McClintockTomie dePaola's last manuscript offers an emotional yet comforting look into the tenderness and devotion he had for his dog, Brontë, and the grief that comes with the loss of his beloved companion.ALL AGESView book details
Where the Deer Slip ThroughKatey Howes, illustrated by Beth KrommesTeeming with rhythmic language celebrating animals at play, this poem-turned picture book invites repeated readings. Striking scratchboard illustrations deepen the sensory experience.ALL AGESView book details
Words with Wings and Magic ThingsMatthew Burgess, illustrated by Doug SalatiThis whimsical, highly-illustrated collection of poems celebrates everyday things and explores how words and pictures can awaken us to a world of wonder and possibility.ALL AGESLexile NPView book details
You’re a Poet: Ways to Start Writing PoemsSean Taylor, illustrated by Sam UsherPiglet tosses a pebble in a puddle, and instead of water, words splash out. He has written a poem! Brief descriptions of Piglet's adventures become instructions for crafting different styles of poetry.ALL AGESView book details
Zero! The Number That Almost Wasn’tSarah Albee, illustrated by Chris HsuA historically comprehensive and playful deep dive into the mathematical concept of zero. Expressive cartoon-like illustrations integrate with the text in a compelling overview of an often underrepresented topic.ALL AGESATOS 5.0AR interest LG K-3View book details